Bachelorette Bashes

Go out for a Saturday night and most likely, you will run across a bride-to-be celebrating her last night of single freedom. Some choose a classy attire, while some act out like they are auditioning for "Girls Gone Wild!" Either way, no judgment here since it is your last night as a single woman! I have participated in both throughout my life. But, what I have noticed is a growing trend of a girls weekend or just an evening of true sisterhood between your girlfriends. Many are deciding to run away from the veils with the main body part from a male (was that PC enough for you?).

Let me share a few of my favorite Bachelorette hot spots that are local and some that require a good road trip (those are my favorite because it gives you an excuse to get away for a bit).

Local Hot Spots for the gals to gather:

Local:

• NYLO Hotel in Plano
NYLO offers a trendy bar scene with a huge backyard patio big enough for you to bring a huge party! I went when the weather was great and it was very fun to relax and girl talk in the lounge area. Want to dance too? Go inside to listen to the DJ. Another bonus: If you like to people watch, this is your place to explore.



• Loft 610
  Are you sophisticated in public, but ready to let your hair down for the night? This place is your chance to eat dinner in peace and then participate in a dance-a-thon (once the drinks kick in and your ready to shake a leg). The bar area transforms into a dance floor and the DJ plays some of the hottest songs of the past and present!
  


• Hotel Palomar and Trader Vics
  I discovered Hotel Palomar at my friend Bryan's college graduation. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the upscale suites. I think this place could easily accommodate a girls night! The hotel's bar is always happening. The weird thing about this hotel is that once you are inside you don't feel like you are near Lower Greenville, you feel like you are somewhere other than Dallas. I also put Trader Vics here because it's within walking distance from the hotel and who does not like tropical drinks and dreaming of being by a beach when you really can't afford it right now?

Very creative floral arrangement that sets the ambiance of the hotel.

Hanging out in the trendy suite!

• Pete's Piano Bar in Addison and Fort Worth
  Still a favorite of mine, but this is not for gals who want a quiet, low key place. This is for the rowdy bunch and the bride who is not scared to get up on stage and celebrate!

• The Girls Room
  The Girls Room offers an interactive and fun way to see what dancing skills (or lack there of) your friends have. They offer private classes in Burlesque, Striptease, and Pole Dancing. You may find that you want further advance your dancing skills to keep your marriage alive and your man happy. If so, The Girls Room offers Striptease Boot camp along with several classes at the Frisco and Dallas location! Added Bonus: They will install your very own pole in the privacy of your house for a fee.
  

Requires a road map:

Austin, TX

Lakeway Resort and Spa

Standing in front of Lake Travis with the ladies! It was so relaxing to take a road trip to a spa and go swimming in the resort pool. They had a convenient bar that you could swim up to and the bartenders were ready to serve the bride-to-be and her entourage!

The Oasis Restaurant
Great view, but make reservations early. This place gets full fast!

Carlos and Charlie's

Horseshoe Bay Resort

Don't forget to find safe transportation to be smart and safe!
Want the ultimate Party Limo and ride in style? Check out My Private Driver for rates on the Mercedes Luxury Liner Limousine!




The places above are just a few of my favorite places to host a bachelorette party. Please share your suggestions. I would love to hear!!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

Michelle Holland
Fret Knot Weddings and Events

Taking The Plunge

I am excited to be an official "blogger". Mainly, because I love to write and share my crazy thoughts with others.

Another reason I am excited is because I am starting a new and exciting (somewhat risky...) chapter in my life. All my life, I have followed the rules - graduate high school, graduate college, get a full time job with benefits while playing it safe (and I still do to some point mainly because the economy is in the tank). Everything was going great, but what happens when your itching to start and create something new with your vision and goals? I would say - ACT ON IT! It was very odd, but it came into my life and I am running full force with it!

I have always had a talent for attracting people and having them all gather in one place for one main goal - to have fun! I took a personality test and the results stated my strongest trait is being a catalyst. See definition below:

cat·a·lyst
Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ləst\
Function: noun

1 : an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action; brings people together for a certain purpose

Thinking back, I did throw some of the best parties in college and high school (I know that is bad! lol), but I always had a theme or added some sort of flair to the event. Hence, my current career as a Special Event Coordinator for a City. Every day is different and everyday brings new challenges. I feel that now is the time for me to "take the plunge" and try something a little different. Every wedding is different and that is excites me because sometimes I can get bored easily. That is why I am launching my new event planning business named Fret Knot Weddings and Events. I need your support to help my business grow!

I am more than your planner, I become your friend and one thing I forgot to mention - my personality test stated my weakness is guilt. That means if your event is not 100% to your expectations I feel GUILTY and I literally can't sleep! So, take advantage of that weakness! :)

I was lucky enough to run into Kelly Simants, Owner of Sweet Pea Events. She held a Sweet Success Workshop for aspiring wedding planners. She was a wealth of information and a lifelong mentor. I wish more people were as gracious and willing to share their talents and experience. I think the more that we share and help each other the better we can become as an industry!

Here are some pictures below! Check them out.

Thank you to Catie Ronquillo for taking the photos below!

Pictured from left to right are: Kelly Simants (Sweet Pea Events), Evie Howard, Stephanie Midkiff (Kelly and Lime), myself (Fret Knot Events), and Stephanie Torres (Stephanie Michele Events).

The seating place cards created by The Event Messenger

Kelly Simants, Owner of Sweet Pea Events, gets the inspiration started.

More creative and impressive invitations from The Event Messenger. I loved the color scheme! Very bright and grabs attention in a sea of bills and junk mail that we all get! It's nice to get something fun in the mail from time-to-time!

Everyone who participated had their own talents and creativity and I see many brainstorming sessions in the future. I am excited to enter the wedding industry!


Thank you all for following my blog so far and supporting me in this new venture.


Tell next time, Happy Planning! Leave me a comment on some of your best and worst event planning experiences. I would love to hear about it!